Using second-hand dishes to cook for Krishna
Other · asked by user [] · 2008-10-02 · 8 answers
I was wondering if it is possible at all to purify metal dishes, like pots, baking trays etc, that were used before by meat eaters? We have moved into a rental property and a couple of baking trays came with the oven. They are normally hard to find in the shops and are quite expensive too. Is there a way to purify them or "once contaminated - always contaminated"?
user [2] · 2008-10-02
I heard that washing with milk purifies them, but not so sure if that is correct...user [38] · 2008-10-03
Best to consult some seasoned pujari.Jews purify such dishes by heating them to red, if I remember well.
user [160] · 2008-10-07
Good question. I dont think it would be acceptable for an installed temple Deity but for home use should be OK. I wouldnt even consider aluminum. First it is toxic in itself and it is porous, so difficult to clean thoroughly. I have lots of recycled stainless steel. Clean as thoroughly as possible . Ive heard that fresh cow dung can be applied if available, then wash again. Chant Hare Krishna and pray to Gaura NItai ; they are very merciful. Most of us in the West , had a lot of meat in us in former years, too.Plain stainless steel could be heated to red hot but I wouldnt do this with aluminum-clad or copper-clad pans ; you could ruin them. Cast iron is also too nasty to try and purify.
user [154] · 2008-10-08
metal dishes can be purified (specifically as metal is pure), obviously golden and silver dishes can be, but clay dishes can not be purified. No information on powder-coated, coated or aluminum dishes, I would not use them if you have an option of not. What is the use of reusing such dishes? Just buy new ones? Its about bhakti, why offering something like that?user [167] · 2008-10-09
I do not recommend second hand dishes at all. You can purify with cow dung and sandalwood paste. But the best thing to do is just buy new.user [326] · 2008-10-09
I dont know much about this but I have heard that offering the best you have to Krsna is under the mode of goodness. If thats the best you can offer at this moment it will be accepted by Krsna.user [39] · 2008-10-17
Thanks to everyone who responded. The trays are stainless steel, and I will give them a very-very good scrub and clean them with cow dung, and milk too just in case. It is for home deities, and I request all devotees to give me blessings that Krishna will accept my offerings.user [343] · 2008-10-25
Bhagavad Gita As It Is: Chap 9, Text 26patram puspam phalam toyam
yo me bhaktya prayacchati
tad aham bhakty-upahrtam
asnami prayatatmanah
If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.
Most cooking pans and pots come from china and are probably made from recycled metal, even the new ones, who knows how most of these things have been used before. What makes an object pure anyway? A Knife in the hands of a doctor cures the patient and in the hands of murderer does the opposite. It is the intent in which an item is used. Yes everything has a vibration, so clean it thoroughly, then offer some water to Krishna with Tulasi leaves (if possible) but most all of all with love and devotion. Clean the pots/pans and pour the offered water over the pans...You tell me what has more power? an old pan or water and Tulasi offered to Lord Krishna with love and devotion? The Lords Name can purify the entire universe, after all he created the universe did he not?